Tipping? How much? Housekeeping staff?

Just curious...when I've travelled other places I tip the housekeeping staff..usually I leave money on my pillow. Same rule here? How much is good. Don't want to be "cheap". Also..what about tipping bar staff, security, at restaurants. Same rules as at home?

I've thought of tipping security as well..just not sure how much. I'm bringing my own "shade" so it's not like I'll need to make sure I have an umbrella but they are out there all day and I often wonder if they get tips..usually it's the bar staff and waitresses that get the tips.

I also have often left gifts for housekeeping and sometimes bar staff. Is that cool? I like to be respectful to the people of the country I'm in and like to show my appreciation for the great job they do in giving me a great vacation.

I tip the same in Negril as I do in the USA. There are some great people that I've known for awhile like my driver, previous taxi drivers, and resort staff that I tip more every time I stay. Usually because they are always looking out for my wife and I, remember our names, eat with us, call us on holidays and would accommodate us even if we didn't have money to tip/give them.

I agree with jsteil....we sometimes forget that a Jamaican's salary is quite small compared to US or Canada. Tipping or small gifts are always appreciated..more than we probably realize. Personally, I truly enjoy getting to know the staff at the resort. Sitting down and talking about "tings" is part of the joy of being fortunate enough to be able to travel. To me...it is part of the cultural experience.

Have fun and pay it forward. It will come back to you in many ways. Blessings sent and have a wonderful time!!

Oops, forgot to mention...I generally leave a tip with security before I leave. One often forgets to realize that their job is watching over us all at night. Not an easy job. This year, I made sure that I tipped him before leaving. It was really appreciated.

Thanks guys...I will do as I do in Puerto Vallarta...I have gotten to know a number of locals and have many friends there..I like to get to know people..as some of you have probably noticed I am a bit of a chatter...I see to be so embarrassed as a teen when my Mom talked to everyone and anyone..funny..she has passed on but it's what of the things I've inherited for her that I appreciate the most. I'm not up with the local lingo but I'm sure I'll attach myself to a few sayings..do appreciate this board for the info I'm getting...I like to immerse myself in a place. :)

I don't think you're as chattie as I on here. Funny thing is I don't talk near as much in person as I do in type. I think a lot of it (for me) is the excitement for the up comming trip. Another reason why I'm posting messages at 5:30am, too excited. Your tipping question was a good one, tipping at 10 or 15 percent for bar and restaurant staff is easy to figure out, but how do you figure out how much to tip security or house keeping?

For housekeeping we usually leave 3 or 4 dollars a day, and a larger tip on our last day...sometimes leave candies as well.
Security we leave a tip on the last day, about $20...same rules at home for the bar and restaurant, tip as you go along, but leave cash.

I always tip on the first day or so, wherever I am. $20 to security, bartender, and housekeeping. They seem to go that little extra for you all week. Drinks made when your walking up , beach area set up, extra tp and towels etc.

Some places (hotels,restaurants, etc), have a 'tip pool' where they must hand in the tips and maybe gifts and they are distributed to staff in varying percentages, depending on duties performed and other criteria. Don't assume a server gets 100 percent of what you give. It works similar to 'at home' with widely differing situations.

We tip servers and bartenders the same as in the states. 20%, maybe a little more in Jamaica. House keeping gets $5.00US daily and an extra $20 each week. Security gets $20 per week. Also little gifts for those with whom we have long time friendships. Along with your money, take time to get to know the staff and build friendships. Investing a little of your time with them reaps greater rewards long term than a bit of your pocket change!